144: This Is Terrible

"Lord Akechi, thank you a thousand times for personally coming to rescue us sinners who failed in our duties! We will never forget your kindness!"

At the temporary base the Akechi Squad had found, the lead subordinate behind the reckless act bowed so low his body was nearly folded in half. His voice trembled noticeably as he apologized.

Akechi gave a small wave of his hand, calm and composed.

"I have never said that my subordinates are not allowed to make mistakes." His voice was steady. "I know you made this mistake only because you were too loyal. There is no need to apologize to me over and over. Once is enough. Now—" His gaze swept over their battered bodies. "You should treat your injuries first."

Akechi had actually wanted to say, "This is the mistake you made because you are too young," but he swallowed the words before they left his mouth. After all, saying that would have been rather inappropriate when it came to age.

He casually rubbed his smooth chin. This young face constantly reminded him that, among everyone present, he too belonged to the younger generation—both the face he wore as a disguise and the face beneath it. In the end, he said, "Go get properly treated in the treatment room."

Calling it a treatment room was generous. It was really just a crude room temporarily cleared out by the squad's accompanying doctor.

The walls still bore stains that might have been rust or dried blood. Several unopened boxes of medical supplies were piled in the corner, and the air was thick with the mingled smell of disinfectant and corroded metal.

In terms of hygiene and sterilization, this place was utterly unreliable. But in Dogtown, no one would be picky about such things. Having somewhere to